MANILA: Four days after knocking out “Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas, Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao went on a victory parade in Manila to share his triumph with his millions of fans.
It was a grand welcome fit for a king as thousands of Filipinos lined the streets of downtown Manila to get a glimpse of their idol.
The “people’s champ” once again brought fame to the Philippines when he defeated 10-time world champion De La Hoya in a stunning eighth-round technical knock-out victory in Las Vegas last Sunday.
The ?pacman?, as he is fondly called, has promised to share his winnings with the poor by helping them build their own homes.
This has bolstered speculation that he will run for congress in 2010 as an administration candidate.
Pacquiao had ran for congressman in his hometown last year, and lost by a huge margin.
Most of his fans believe that he should concentrate on boxing.
A member of the public said: “He does not have to be a politician to be able to help the poor.”
Another said: “Politics will just destroy him and his family. Since he has lots of money, it would be better for him to just give to hospitals and to churches.”
The boxing icon maintains that he is sincere in sharing his blessings with the poor.
He said: “I usually give out sardines and rice to the poor. Now, I am thinking of helping them have their own houses. I hope this will go on so that I will be able to help more people.”
For now, the boxing champ wants to just enjoy his recent victory before he finally decides to slug it out again in the boxing ring or the political arena.
